Member's Code of Conduct

Port Arthur National Little League is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Furthermore, Port Arthur National Little League supports equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices. Members are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of the league. Membership in Port Arthur National Little League is a privilege and not to be taken lightly. At the same time, members are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities and obligations, including but not limited to, complying with the policies, rules and regulations of the league. This policy applies to all categories of members of Port Arthur National Little League, including but not limited to players, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers, team managers, and administrators.

Members may be subject to sanctions according to our Discipline Policy for engaging in the following behaviour:

1. not complying with the rules, regulations and policies of PANLL, as adopted and amended from time to time
2. deliberately disregarding the Rules of Baseball as amended from time to time
3. being verbally or physically abusive to an opponents, officials, spectators or sponsors
4. showing disrespect to officials, including the use of foul language and obscene or offensive gestures
5. abusing playing equipment or playing area
6. using tobacco products on-field or at any PANLL sanctioned competition
7. any other unreasonable conduct which brings the game into disrepute, including but not limited to, abusive use of alcohol, non-medical use of drugs, use of alcohol by minors

Minor Infractions:

1. a single incident of disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist comments or behaviour directed towards others, including but not limited to peers, opponents, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators and sponsors
2. unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts or arguing
3. non-compliance with the rules and regulations under which Little League events are conducted at any level of play

Major Infractions:

1. repeated incidents of disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist, or sexist comments or behaviour directed towards others, including but not limited to peers, opponents, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, spectators and sponsors
2. playing under an assumed name, falsifying an affidavit or roster, or giving false information to league or tournament officials, repeated unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts or arguing
3. repeated incidents of being late for or absent from league events
4. activities or behaviour which interferes with a competition or with any athletes’ preparation for competition
5. pranks, jokes or other activities which endanger the safety of others
6. deliberate disregard for the rules and regulations under which Little League events are conducted, at any level of play
7. abusive use of alcohol where abuse means a level of consumption which impairs the individual’s ability to speak, walk or drive; causes the individual to behave in a disruptive manner; or interferes with the individual’s ability to perform effectively and safely
8. any use of alcohol by minors
9. use of illicit drugs and narcotics

Discipline Procedures:

The incident will be assessed by a Discipline Panel comprised of the League President and two other appointed executive members. All incidents will be reported verbally with a written report as needed. The offending individual will be informed of the report by phone and/or letter and given the opportunity to provide information concerning the incident. If uncontested, a judgment will be made immediately and if contested, a meeting will be held within 7 days of the incident.

The following disciplinary sanctions may be applied singly or in combination for minor infractions:

1. verbal reprimand
2. written reprimand to be held in league file
3. verbal apology
4. hand-delivered written apology
5. suspension from league membership, coach/manager positions, committee participation as deemed necessary
6. other sanctions as may be considered appropriate for the offense

Major infractions will be dealt with on the day of the offense if possible or within 3 days. The Discipline Panel may apply the following disciplinary sanctions singly or in combination for major infractions:

1. written reprimand to be placed in league file
2. hand-delivered written apology
3. suspension from league membership, coach/manager positions, committee participation as deemed necessary
4. termination of league membership and expulsion from the league

Disciplinary sanctions will commence immediately following decision. In applying the sanctions the Discipline Panel may have regard to the following aggravating or mitigating circumstances:

1. The nature or severity of the offense
2. whether the incident is the first offense or has occurred repeatedly
3. the individuals acknowledgment of responsibility
4. the individuals extent of remorse
5. the age, maturity or experience of the individual
6. the individuals prospects for rehabilitation

Appeals Procedure:

An appeal of any disciplinary matter will be conducted by a special meeting of the executive of PANLL.

Taken from member of Little League Onatrio